Chapter 84: Training with the Monarch

The next day, Ash and Goh were out on the training field, their Urshifu sparring with each other. Their Wushu Pokemon were going blow for blow, exchanging kicks and punches with each other while barely feeling the attacks that connecte with them.

"Alright, let's try out your new attack! Surging Strike!"

"Wicked Blow!"

The two Urshifu charged toward each other, fists encased with dark energy and water respectively, before colliding in the middle, the small explosion sending them flying backwards.

"Alright, that's enough! Great job, you too!"

The two Wushu Pokemon bowed, first to their trainers and then to each other. Just then, Chloe came out of the dojo, dressed in her exploring outfit..

"You ready, Goh?"

"Yeah, just hang on a second."

This made Ash puzzled.

"Where are you guys going?"

Chloe pulled out a book and handed it to Ash. The page showed an unusually colored Ponyta and Rapidash.

"A Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash?"

"Yeah! Honey leant me this book, and I thought they looked so beautiful! I heard they could be found in the Glinwood Tangle just outside of Ballonlea. I want to see one!"

"And I want to catch some fairy type Pokemon, so I thought I'd accompany her."

Ash was disappointed to lose his sparring partner, but understood.

"Well, have fun."

"Thanks! We should be back in time for the ferry home."

With that, Goh and Chloe took their leave. Ash then turned to Urshifu.

"Alright, guess I need to find you a new sparring partner, Urshifu. Think Lucario's ready for another round?"

"How about a bout with me?"

To Ash's surprise, Leon came up towards him, with Mustard not too far behind.

"Leon, what're you doing here?"

"Well, I had some free time, so I thought I'd swing by and say hello to my old master. And when he told me your Kubfu had evolved, I just had to see it."

Ash's Urshifu grunted, posing proudly before the monarch. Leon smiled, impressed.

"Impressive. I can tell you've raised him well. So…"

He took out a Pokeball, holding it outward as a sign of challenge.

"What do you say? Up for a battle?"

Ash grinned.

"You're on!"

A few minutes later, a group of students filled the bleachers, excited to watch two of Mustard's prized pupils spar. Mustard stood off to the side, acting as the referee.

"This match between Ash Ketchum and Leon shall now begin! Each trainer shall only use one Pokemon. The battle will end when either Pokemon is unable to battle."

"Ash, let's show our fellow students a great battle!"

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Leon!"

"Trainers, send out your first Pokemon!"

"Go, Charizard!"

"Urshifu, I choose you!"

Sobble, who was sitting in Lillie's lap, frowned when he didn't see his idol appear. Lillie, sensing the Water type's displeasure, smiled gently.

"Don't worry, Sobble. I'm sure Leon will let you play with his Inteleon later."

Sobble smiled, letting out a happy "Ble!" in response.

"Let the battle begin!"

"Use Dragon Claw, Charizard!"

"Urshifu, use Surging Strike!"

Charizard swooped in, his claws glowing bright with energy. As he got closer, Urshifu began charging up his own attack, water forming around his fists before striking out, fists meeting claws as they went blow for blow.

"Charizard, use Air Slash!"

"Brace yourself and use Bulk up!"

Charizard flew backwards a few feet to give himself more room before he began flapping his wings, creating massive gusts of wind that nearly sent Urshifu flying. Urhisfu grunted, bracing himself for the blows as he collected his energy. Despite his best efforts to remain still, however, the attack still managed to skid him back, though it barely seemed to faze him.

"Aqua Jet, Urshifu!"

"Hurricane, Charizard!"

Once more, Charizard flapped his wings, creating even more powerful gusts of wind than before. Urshifu, unfazed by the attack, charged forward in a geyser of water, tanking the attack against him before ramming into Charizard, sending the Fire type spiraling out of control, though he quickly corrected himself. Leon couldn't help but smile.

"Alright Charizard, use Thunder Punch!"

"Block it with Rock Smash!"

As Charizard flew towards him, Urshifu stomped his foot on the ground, creating a wall of rock right in front of him. But instead of sending it towards his opponent, he ducked behind it, allowing it to take the brunt of the attack. While he did still receive some damage, most of it had been absorbed by his shield, while Charizard recieved a Surging Strike to the fact for his trouble.

"Now use Focus Punch!"

While Charizard reeled from the first punch, Urshifu dealt an even more powerful punch, sending his opponent flying right back towards Leon's side of the arena. Leon, blood pumping, took out Charizard's Pokeball.

"Alright Charizard, time to end this!"

Charizard roared, and within seconds he was returned and Gigantamaxed. Not wanting to be outdone, Ash pulled out Urshifu's own Pokeball.

"Alright, let's match him blow for blow!"

Urshifu, however, growled, refusing to return. Ash, understanding the meaning, put it back in his pocket.

"Alright, then we'll face him from down here!"

"Charizard, use G-Max Wildfire!"

"Aqua Jet, Urshifu!"

Charizard roared, letting out his signature attack. Urshifu, not afraid at all, took flight in a geyser of water, charging straight towards the massive fireball. The two met in the middle, creating a massive explosion tha forced everyone to duck for cover. Ushifu fell back down to earth, landing on the ground out cold.

"Urshifu is unable to battle! Charizard is the winner, which means the match goes to Leon!"

Charizard roared triumphantly before returning to normal. Ash quickly ran over to Urshifu, helping him up.

"You did great, Urshifu."

"Pika Pika!"

Urshifu grunted in appreciation, before turning to Charizard and bowing. Charizard gave him a claws up, acknowledging a well thought battle. Ash and Leon met in the middle and shook hands.

"Well done, Ash! Glad to see you've been keeping up with your training."

"Thanks, Leon! I can't wait to battle you in the Masters Eight."

The crowd clapped and cheered for them, excited by the great match.

A while later, Ash and Leon were enjoying dinner outside, watching as Leon's Inteleon played hide and seek with Lillie's Sobble, using the fin on his head to pinpoint his location.

"So that's what an Urshifu looks like. Makes me wish I had managed to pass the final trial."

"I don't know why you didn't. Mustard is tough, but the way he talks about you it seems like you would've passed it easily."

Leon chuckled.

"Probably…if I had managed to find the place! I set off trying to find the Tower of Waters, but wound up in Motorstoke."

"How did…"

"I'm bad with directions."

Ash and Leon had a good laugh at that. Once they were done, however, Leon's face fell into a more somber expression.

"You know Ash, I really envy you."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you're still progressing. You have a goal to achieve, you have obstacles to face to get towards it, and you still have room to grow. I'm already at the top, there's no farther rank to strive towards."

"That's not true. Remember what Mustard always says? No matter how strong you get, there will always be someone stronger."

"True, but sometimes I wonder how true it is. I've gone undefeated so long that sometimes I wonder if there truly is somebody stronger than me. Or am I as strong as they get?"

Ash nodded in understanding.

"It's lonely at the top, isn't it?"

"You have no idea."

But then his smile returned..

"But then I remember why I joined the World Coronation Series. I wanted to test myself not just against the trainers in Galar, but the entire world. So maybe one day I will find somebody who will prove Mustard right."

"Yeah, and that person will be me!"

The two of them shared another laugh, and watched the sunset.

The next morning, Leon left for home and Ash and Lillie got ready to leave themselves. They had just finished packing up when Goh and Chloe appeared, looking disheveled.

"What happened to you?"

Goh and Chloe shared a look, and chuckled.

"Long story, we'll tell you all about it on the way home."